Switch stand



M. P. FOX

SWITCH STAND A ril 20, 1926. 1,581,569

Filed Dec- 12. 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 c INVENTOR N.

Michze) IP. Fox

by H15 ATTORNEY M. P. FOX

April 20 1926.

SWITCH STAND Fil 12, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Michael FOX WEWW KQWAY k NTUE mJUE "Ill-lull ll HI HIS ATTORNEY April 20 1926.

M. P. FOX

SWITCH STAND Filed Dec 12, 1924' 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIE-3 INVENTOR Michael P Fox his a-Harveu 6 FI'GJI.

Patented Apr. 29, 1226.

PATENT OFFICE.

MICHAEL 1. FOX, OF WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

swr'ron: STAND.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MICHAEL P. Fox, a citizen of the United States, residing at \Vashington, in the county of Washington and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in a Switch Stand, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a switch and signal stand for use on main line railwaytracks.

It has been found in practice,tthat with the switch stands commonly in use the mechanism of the switch may be forced, and the signal connected therewith turned to show a clear line, even though the switch points have not been brought into actual operative engagement. If, therefore, any small object such as a stone, cinder, or nut should fall between the switch points to prevent actual mutual contact, the signal may yet be caused to indicate a closed switch to trainmen operating the same, and to the crews of other trains using the line.

One object of the present invention is therefore, to provide a switch and signal stand in which the signal is operated by means for locking the switch in position, rather than directly by the switch throwing means; so that the signal is operated only when the switch has been fully thrown to one position or the other, and has been locked in position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch and signal standin which the operating mechanism is adjustable for slight differences in the throw of various switches; so that the stands may be standardized, andeach particular stand adjusted for use with the switch to which it is applied.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch of simplified construction, which dispenses with gears, pinions, or racks in its operating mechanism.

A further object of the inventionis to provide a switch which requires .a relatively slight application of powerto throw it into either open or closed position.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of the switch, and the switch and lock throwing arms of the device, and ahorizontal sectional view of the switch stand proper or operating mechanism of the device, the switch being shown in closed position;

Application filed December 12, 1924. I Serial No. 755,362.

adjusting plate of the mechanism in position. thereon; Figure 6 is a plan view of the adjusting plate by itself; Figure 7 is an edge view thereof; Figure 8 is a front elevation of the switch stand proper; Figure 9 is a side elevation thereof; Figure 10 1s a plan view thereof; Figurell is a vertical sectional view through the switch locking means; and Figure 12 is a cross sectional view through the same, taken on! the line 12--12 Figure 11. i e i In the drawings the reference numeral designates a rail of the main track, and reference numeral 2 the switch rail. Secured .to switch rail 2 is an operating rodS, connected at its other extremity to one end of a lever 4:, at the central point of which is secured a second operating rod 5.

To switch rail 2 is also secured a bar or strap 6, which is Shown substantially parallel to the operating rod The rearward portion of the strap 6 is deformedto a U-shape in cross section, and extends through an aperture in a guide box 7 for the locking bar 8 of the mechanism. In this rearward portion of bar or strap 6 is an orifice 9 of such dimensions that the locking bar hasa close sliding fit therein, when the orifice and locking bar are brought, into registering engagement.

Operating connections are provided for advancing and retracting the locking-bar 8 in its guide box 7. Such connections comprise a link 10, one end of which is pivoted to the rearward extremity of the locking bar and the other extremity toan arm 11 of a bell crank lever 11, which is pivotally mounted at 12 on one of the cross ties-139 f the line. The extremity of the other arm 11 of the bell crank lever is pivotally connected with one end of a link 14, the other end of which is pivotally connected with an extremity of the lever arm 4;. At the central point of link 14 is secured an operating arm 5.

In throwing the switch from the closed thrust of arm 5 tends to unbalance the lever 4 at the end 4: of the lever to which the link 14 is connected, lessresist-ance to movement being encountered at this end of the lever, this end of the lever is thrust outwardly leaving the other end i ofthe lever temporarily unmoved. a p The forward, or outward, thrust of arm 5 acts through link let to push forwardly the arm 11 of bell crank lever 11. This action forces the arm 11 of the bell crank lever outwardly, and causes the locking bar 8 to be withdrawn from its orifice 9 in the bar or strap 6. During this action the lever lis brought into the position indicated in dotted lines in Figure 2 of the drawings.

By reference to Figure 11 of the drawings, it will be seen that the rearward lower portion of the locking bar 8 is cutaway to provide an abrupt shoulder 16. Outward movement of the locking bar is continued until this shoulder 16 abuts against a shoulder 17 on the strap 18, which forms the bottom of the guide box 7 of the locking bar. lVith the shoulders 16 and 17 in en gagement, further outward movement of the arm .11 of lever 11 is prevented, and the lever held stationary. As the arm 15 holds link 14 steady, a fulcrum is provided for the end 4? of the lever 1 which is connected with the operating rod 3 of the switch rail 2.

It should be noted that in this operation the action of the locking bar occurs first, and that there is no movement whatsoever of the switch operating rod proper until the locking bar has been moved to the release position. There is thus no possibilityof jamming the mechanism because of a failure to clear the locking means before movement of the switch throwing means. It will also be noted that the retarded action of the switch throwing means causes the switch to be thrown over with a positive and instan taneous movement. I

In throwing the switch from the open position shown in Figure 2 to the closed position shown in Figure. 1, the operation of the locking bar again leads that of the switch operating rod. In this operation the operating arm 5 is drawn rearwardly. In this action the locking bar 8 is first brought into contact with the, side of the bar or strap 6, so that further inward movement of the locking bar is positively prevented. and the bell crank lever 11 held against further os cillation. The bellcranklever 11 thus'a'cts as a fulcrum for the in a d m v ment at link 14, and the end 4 of lever 4 is suchthat there is no appreciable movement of the end 4 of the lever until the locking bar 8 has comeinto contact with the side of the strapbar '6. 1 The action is then instantaneous. Further, there is sufficient lost motion provided by the link 10 and link 14 to prevent appreciable movement of the arm 15 during the first stage of the action, in which the locking bar 8 is brought into contact with the side of the strap 6.

It will also be noted-thatthe inward movement of the locking bar is not completed until the switch is fully thrown to closed positie-n. When this hascbeen effected, the orifice 9 in the strap bar 6 has been brought into alignment with the locking bar 8, and the continued pressure exerted by bell crank 11 forces the locking bar into the orifice, thus locking the switch in closed position.

The operating mechanism of the device comprises a casing 19, which is bolted to plates 20 secured to the cross ties 13. With in this casing is a tumbler 22, which is divided into an upper segmentally cylindrical portion 22 and a lower or plate portion 22". The connection between these two portions is reinforced by a vertical web or wall 23; and the upper portion, lower portion, and connecting walls desirably constitute a single integral casting. Into a vertical slot 24: in the portion 22 extends a pin 25, which is carried by a crank arm 26 operated by a lever arm or'treadle 27. It will be noted that the edges of the slot 2% are provided with rounded beads 24, and that the pin 25 has a sleeve 25 rotatable thereon. This decreases the frictional resistance between the pin and the walls of the slot, and decreases the force necessary for throwing the switch.

The switch is thrown primarily by movement of lever arm or treadle 27 to rotate the tumbler, 22, to which the operating arm 5 is connected. The connection between arm 5 and the lower portion 22" of the tumbler is such as to allow fora slight adjustment of the mechanism to the particularswitch in conjunction with which it is used. For this reason the arm 5 carries at its inner extremity a pin 28, which may be passed through the elongated aperture 29 in the portion 22" of the tumbler. The position of the pin 28 iliHPSltUl'Q 29 is determined by means of a segmental regulating plate 30, which is retatable'on a tubular pillar 31 of the tumbler.

This plate is provided with a plurality of circular apertures 32, which are of a s ze to closely lit the pin 28 on the operating arm 5.

W' hen, therefore, the pin 28 is passed through aperture 29 and one of the apertures 32 in regulating plate 30; the position of the pin in aperture 29, is determined by the aperture in the regulating plate through which it is passed. A line adjustment, within rather narrow but sufficient limits, of the length of stroke of arms 3 and 5, and of the switch rail 2, may be thus effected.

The banner stall 33 ot the switch stand has hearings in the top and bottom walls of the casing 19. and itsell? serves as a bearing for the tumbler 92. It should be understood clearly that the banner staff is not moved, nor is the position of the banners 34 and 35 which it carries changed, by rotation of the tumbler.

To the portion of banner staff 33 which extends below the bottom of casting 19 is a member 36, having integral therewith a horizontally extending lug or arm 37. The operating arm 15 of mechanism is secured to the lug 37 by means of a pin 38. During the initial portion of the action in throwing open the switch, the arm 15 is moved by bell crank lever 11 to rotate banner stall 33. During the final movement of locking bar 8 in locking the switch in closed position, bell crank lever 11 again acts on arm 15 to rotate the banner stall.

It it should be desired to reverse the position of the switch stand for any reason, the operating mechanism proper may be readily accommodated to the reversal by placing the regulating plate 30 in positionto cooperate with an elongated aperture 29 which is di-' ametrically opposite the aperture 29. In

position. A clear signal is therefore shown only at such times as the switch is closed and locked.

l v hat- I claim is: v

1. In a switch stand the combination of a signal stall, switch throwing connections, and means for rotating the signal stalt' arranged to operate automatically upon completion of movement of the switch throwing connections in closing the switch.

2. In a switch stand the combination of a signal stall, switch throwing connections, and means for rotating the signal stall" arranged to operate automatically upon the preliminary movement or the switch throwing connections in opening the switch.

3. In a switch stand the combination of switch throwing connections, switch locking means, a signal stall, and connections actuated by movement of the switch looking means for rotating the signal stall.

4. In a switch stand the combination of a signal stall, switch operating mechanism, switch throwing connections, a signal stall, and switch throwing connections and signal stall operating connections both operated from the switch throwing mechanism in such manner that the signal stall is rotated prior to effective movement of the switch operating means in opening the switch and subsequent to effective movement of the switch throwing connections in closing the switch,

5. In a switch stand the combination of a signal stall, a switch rail, a strap having an aperture therein connected with said switch rail, a locking bar arranged to enter said aperture, connections whereby said such event the face of the regulating plate signal stall is rotated by movement or" said which has previously been uppermost is brought into contact with the bottom portion of the tumbler, and the position of the plate with reference to the tumbler is thus similar but opposite to the position illustrated.

It can be seen that the mechanism as a whole is simple, and comprisesno gears, pinons or other toothed elements. It should be noted that the actual throwing ot the switch is delayed during the initial portion of each movement tending to throw it in either direction, so that the actual. tl irowing takes abruptly, and with a snap.

It should be particularly noted that the banner stall is not rotated by the main switch throwing arm, or by the tumbler which acts directly on such arm. It is produced by the locking mechanism of the switch stand. Due to this fact, and the arrangement of the switch throwing and operating mechanism, the signal is changed during the initial stages of the action tending to open the switch, and is changed again only after completion of the action tending to close the switch and upon its being locked in closed locking bar, and common operating connections for the switch rail and locking bar.

6. In a switch stand the coml'iination of a signal stall, a switch rail, a strap havii'ig an aperture therein connected with said switch rail, a locking bar arranged to enter said aperture, connections whereby said signal stall is rotated by movement of said locking bar, and common operating connections tor the switch rail and locking bar arranged to throw said switch rail subsequently to movement of the locking bar in either direction.

7. In a switch stand the combination of switch operating mechanism, switch locking means, connections from said switch operating mechanism for throwing the switch, and connections between said switch throwing connections and said switch locking means so arranged that said locking means act as a tulcrui'n for effective movement of the switch operating connections in throwing the switch in either direction.

8. In a switch stand the combination of switch operating mechanism, a normally treelever arm, a switch throwing rod conoperating rod connecting said switch throwing mechanism with said lever intermediate the ends or the lever, switch locking means, connections between said locking means and lever so arranged that the switch locking means act as a fulcrum for the lever in movement of the switch throwing rod in either direction, a signal staff, and operating connections from said signal, staff to the connections between the locking means and lever.

10. In a switch stand the combination oi switch operating mechanism, a normally free lever arm, a switch throwing rod connected to one end of said lever arm, switch I locking means, and connections between the locking means and lever so arranged that force exerted on the lever arm for moving the switch throwing rod in either direction produces movement of the locking means before producing movement of the switch operating rod.

11. In a switch stand the combination of switch operating mechanism, a normally free lever arm, a switch throwing rodconnected to one end of said lever arm, switch locking means, connections between the locking means and lever so arranged that force exerted on the lever arm for moving the switch throwing rod in either direction produces movement of the locking means be fore producing movement of the switch operating rod.

12. In a switch stand the combination of a tumbler having a vertically extending and slotted wall and a horizontally extending slotted wall, an adjustable regulating plate having a plurality of apertures arranged to be brought into register with the slot in said horizontal wall, and an operating rod arranged to be connected to said tumbler by way of the slot in said horizontal wall and an aperture in said regulating plate.

13. In a switch stand the combination of a tumbler having a horizontally extending slotted wall, means for rotating said tumbler, an adjustable re 'ulating plate having a plurality of apertures arranged to be brought into register with the slot in said horizontal wall, and an operating rod arranged to be connected to said tumbler by way of the slot in said horizontal wall and an aperture in said regulating plate,

14. In a switch stand the combination of a tumbler having a horizontally extending slotted wall, means for rotating said tumbler, an adjustable regulating plate having a plurality of apertures'arrangedvto be brought into register with the slot in said horizontal wall, an operating rod arranged to be connected tosaid tumbler by way oi the slot in said horizontal wall and an aperture in said regulating plate, a signal staff, switch locking means actuated by said operating rod, and connections for producing rotation of said signal staff by movement of said switch lock ng means.

15. In a switch stand the combination of a tumbler having a horizontally extending slotted wall, means for rotating said tumbler, an adjustable regulating plate having a plurality of apertures arranged to be brought into register with the slot in said horizontal wall, an operating rod arranged to be connected to said tumbler by way of the slot in said horizontal wall and an aperture insaid regulating plate, a normally free lever arm connected intermediate its ends to said opcrating rod, a switch throwing rod connected to one end of said lever arm, switch locking n1eans,'and connections between said switch locking means and the other end of said lever arm so arranged that forceexerted on said lever arm causes operation of said switch locking means previous to movement oi the switch throwing rod in either direction.

16.. In a switch stand the combination of a tumbler having a horizontally extending slotted wall, means for rotating said tumbler, an adjustable. regulating plate having a plurality of apertures arranged to be brought into register with the slot in said horizontal wall, an operating rod arranged to be con- 1 nected to said tumbler by way of the slot in said horizontal wall and an aperture in the regulating plate, a normally free lever arm connected intermediate its ends to said operating rod, a switch throwing rod connected to one end of said lever arm, switch locking means, connections between said switch looking means and the other end of said lever arm so arranged that force exerted on said lever arm causes operation of the switch locking means previous to movement of the switch throwing rod in either direction, a signal staff, and connections for producing rotation of said signal stali with movement of said switch locking means.

17; In a switch stand the combination oi a tumbler having a vertically extending and slotted wall, a pitman having a portion extending into the slot in the vertical wall of the tumbler, a switch operating rod, and adjustable means for connecting said operating rod with said tumbler.

18. In switch standthe combination of switch operating connections, a tumbler hav ing a wall with a vertically extending slot pitinan having a 'pin extending into the slot, 10 a sleeve rotatably niountedon said pin and arranged to contact the beadededges of said slot and adiusteble means for connecting said operating rod with said tumbler.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto set my 15 hand.

MICHAEL P. F X. 

